Emanuel’s Wrigley Field plan gets lukewarm reception in neighborhood

Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s “Fenway Plan” to generate as much as $150 million for a Wrigley Field renovation could be a tough sell for residents in the surrounding neighborhood.

“I do not like it — I like the charm of this stadium,” said Wrigleyville resident, Amy Kalas, 40. “I’ve been to Fenway. I’ve been to all of these other parks. Wrigley is cool because it’s so neighborhoody and low key. I just don’t like the idea of big Jumbotrons.”

Emanuel’s plan — reported in Monday’s Chicago Sun-Times — would relax Wrigley’s landmark status and allow the Cubs to generate up to $150 million in advertising and sponsorship revenues out of the stadium and surrounding streets. Among the ideas being considered, sources tell the Sun-Times, is a Jumbotron in right field, more concerts and football games at Wrigley as well as surrounding street closings on game days to make way for money-making street fairs.